No, this is not a post about food (though I do have a food blog...), it's still an English-language lesson. But let me approach it by first giving my personal observations about the world we live in today. The Internet has opened the floodgate for torrents of news, articles, videos, etc. from around world, all accessible … Continue reading Take it with a grain of salt…
This is a uniquely American idiom. "Kool-Aid" is a well-known brand of drink-mix sold in the United States, available in a range of flavors. Just open a packet, mix the powder with water and ice, and you get yourself a sugary flavored drink. Most Americans, going back a few generations, are familiar with its jolly mascot, the … Continue reading “Drink the Kool-Aid” – an idiom with a gruesome history
In this section I'll post short articles on various aspects of learning English, such as the correct usage of English phrases and idioms, grammar, learning tools/resources, tips and strategies, vocabulary building, pronunciation and fluency, etc. Check out the category list on the sidebar ⇒ (it will grow over time as I write more entries). Comments and suggestions … Continue reading Welcome to the mini English-lessons section!
One of the best ways to increase your exposure to English, improve your vocabulary and be an informed citizen of the world is by reading an English-language news site every day. At the start of each course I usually ask my students how many of them read the news everyday (and remember, I teach adults); not everyone lifts … Continue reading Learning tool: News sites
NO: "Have a blast day!" YES: "Have a blast!" = an idiomatic expression used to wish someone to have a great time, i.e. on his/her birthday, at a party/event, on a vacation, etc. The normal definition of 'blast' (noun) is a 'sudden, violent gust of wind; a very loud noise', such as in "The blast from the gas explosion shattered windows … Continue reading A blast day?
Oh, what a difference the final 's' makes.... I hope this clarifies it for you. 'Thank God' (no 's' at the end of thank) = if you are the one expressing your gratitude or relief about something, the correct expression (written or spoken) is 'Thank God'. For example: "Thank God it's Friday!" "I couldn't turn in my essay last week because … Continue reading “Thanks God” or “Thank God”?
Tessa Mohede 